Massage therapy treatments during pregnancy is a wonderful complementary choice for prenatal care. It is a healthy way to reduce stress and promote overall wellness.

Massage relieves many of the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches and edema (or swelling).

Prenatal massages are adapted for the anatomical changes you go through during pregnancy. In a traditional massage, you might spend half the time lying face-down on your stomach (which is not possible with a baby belly) and half the time facing up (a position that puts pressure on a major blood vessel that can disrupt blood flow to your baby and leave you feeling nauseous).

But, as your shape and posture changes, our massage therapists will make accommodations to allow you to enjoy your treatment safely.

Prenatal massages are generally considered safe after the first trimester (10-12 weeks based on your MD approval), as long as you get the green light from your GP and you let your massage therapist know you’re pregnant. You will want to avoid massage during the first three months of pregnancy as it may trigger dizziness, add to morning sickness and can be contraindicated during this period..

Don’t expect deep tissue work on your legs during a prenatal massage. While gentle pressure is safe (and can feel heavenly!), pregnant women are particularly susceptible to blood clots, which deep massage work can dislodge. That,in turn, can be risky. On other body parts, the pressure can be firm or as gentle as you’d like. Always communicate with your therapist about what feels good — and if something starts to hurt.

At MAHALO, each prenatal massage treatment come with a relaxing foot scrub and massage. It feels amaaaaazing !!!!!

During pregnancy, regular prenatal massages may not only help you relax, but may also relieve:

• Insomnia

• Joint pain

• Neck and back pain

• Leg cramping

• Sciatica

• Swelling in your hands and feet (as long as that swelling isn't a result of preeclampsia)

• Carpal tunnel pain

• Headaches and sinus congestion